Lulu201's Healthy Living Journal--Just trying my best to walk the walk! Come on by!

[toystoryduo]

Hi Erin!

I'm glad to hear that your MIL is doing better! We will continue to keep her in our prayers.

Have you had a chance to come up with your Disney goal yet? I have been thinking about it, but with all of Caley's parties and all of the other stuff going on this week, I haven't come up with anything specific yet.

Hope you have a great weekend!

 

[lulu201]

Geesh, it's taken me awhile to get here today! I got up this morning and took Mickey for a stroll around the block, then had to go with DH to drop off my car for inspection. We thought we might go to the beach, but it's supposed to rain at the shore, so we're going to have a family fun day around here instead.

Yesterday was a day! I feel like I accomplished a lot, and I'm proud I stayed on plan. The weekend, however, is here, and that means I have to have TOTAL FOCUS if I'm going to make my first goal: OP 'til the end of July.
DH and I ran out and got some yummy fresh fruits and veggies, so that'll help!

Here's how today is shaping up:

1. Devotions
Daily Thoughts:
A Time to Think:
Life will give back to you just exactly what you give to life. -Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
To Act:
Enjoy the abundance of summer. (I love that!)
To Pray:
Thank you, Father, for the wonders of Your creation.
2. Vitamins
3. Water--32 oz.
4. Exercise--I'm going out later for a nice 2.5 miler.
5. Food--breakfast was raisin bran crunch (3), 8 0z. of milk (2), and coffee.
A.m. snack was s.f. jello and lite topping (0). Lunch will be tuna (3) w/mayo (1) and olives (1) in a pita pocket (2). P.M. snack will be mixed fresh veggies (0) and 1 cup fruit salad (1). That leaves 11 points for dinner (not including any FP or AP I earn/use).
6. Scale--Thank you, Whoosh Fairy! 182

We're going out to dinner at a new Italian place. It'll be a light pasta (no bread) or a salad for me. With God's help I'm going to make it through this day!

DH needs to check the movie times on the computer. I'll be back around later.

ERin

Edit: I'm so tired; I know I'm not going to get around to anyone. I never had the fruit salad, but we did go to Friday's for dinner. I had angel hair pasta w/a very light chopped tomato "bruschetta" topping. Butter-soaked bread came with it--one bite and I knew I had to pass it to someone else's plate. Also had salad w/lowfat peppercorn ranch dressing. I still haven't figured all these points out, but that's next on the list. Then I'm crashing and it's only 7:15!

 

[Cruise04]

Glad to hear the scale was kind to you - sorry to hear you are so tired. Maybe a good nights rest will get right back to where you'd like to be tomorrow!!!!! Keep up the good work!

Keep on
Chris

 

[DoeWDW]

I'm glad you listened to your body and went to bed early. Sometimes extra rest can make all the difference.

You've been handling a lot lately so make time for some quiet time to nurture yourself.

&

 

[lulu201]

Yesterday was an OP day! Boy, I like writing that! Thanks for stopping by, Chris and Doreen . I started napping around 7:30 and was in and out of sleep 'til I finally went to bed "officially" around 10. It's a brand new day and I'm feeling good!

Here's the plan for today:
1. Devotions . Today I read the devotions from the "Purpose Driven Life" in addition to my usual dailyguideposts. It centered on helping others instead of constantly trying to satisfy/correct/reward yourself. It made a lot of sense to me.
Daily Thoughts:
A Time to Think:
Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. - Benjamin Spock
To Act:
With faith in your heart, face any challenge that you encounter.
To Pray:
Thank You for my gifts, Lord, and give me opportunities to share them.
2. Vitamins--will do.
3. Water--will do.
4. Exercise--I thought I'd go out this morning, but with all I have to do, it's going to be too rushed. I'll go out this evening instead.
5. Food--breakfast was a lite english muffin (1) with pb (2), and 1 cup of milk (2) and coffee. Total=5.
6. Scale-- I weighed in this morning, but I'm going to stay off it now until next Monday. It was up a little (even though I've been OP) and that's discouraging, so I'm going to make myself wait a few days.

Today's we're going up to see my DMIL. She's doing so much better--truly an answer to prayer. She's been making a conscious effort to wean herself off some of her pain meds. . .very courageous on her part.

The challenge with the visit, however, will be the food. We're bringing lunch--a bucket of chicken , so I'm going to have to suppliment it with enough healthy stuff so I can eat, too! I don't want any of the chicken, so I'll make a fruit salad and bring some fresh veggies. Maybe I'll add some yogurt? The other thing that's bound to come up is the subject of me "dieting" again--all the weight I've gained back and how I'm OP "again." I'm praying for the strength to be strong enough to be candid and accepting of the attention and discussion this will bring. I feel like talking about it brings accountability, and if I'm going to stay OP (for life? gulp) I'm going to have to make my food choices public.

I also have to accept the fact that I cannot have my cake and be fit, too. I've been reading a new Stephen Gullo book (he's the guy who wrote "Thin Tastes Better") and he reminds the reader that there's no room in healthy living for a "deprivation" mindset. You simply CANNOT eat everything that crosses your path and expect to be fitting into size 10 capris. OK, maybe he doesn't say EXACTLY that , but that's how I'm interpreting it! I know that I have to remember the rewards of fitness (and right now I have to bring them to mind several times a day!) and choose those rather than a peanut butter oreo blizzard from Dairy Queen! He frankly says that it's childish to think we can have it all and then to pout when we can't.

So, I'm off to stay OP another day. God will help me; I can't do it without Him. My friends will help me, too--you guys are so wonderful!

Have a great Saturday, everyone!
Erin

Edit: Well, came home from the in-laws. . .there's no place like home.
Nobody cared what I ate; they didn't want the picnic we'd brought anyway. Seems they had eaten a big breakfast and weren't hungry . Such is life. Such are my in-laws.

I walked my 2.5 this evening. The only thing that made me do it was knowing my WISH buddies were trying, too!

'Til tomorrow--
Erin

 

[lillygator]

Hope ou have a great time!

 

[Cruise04]

Glad to hear about your outlook. You have a good mindset and in the end it WILL be worth it!!!!!!

Glad your MIL is doing better. Will continue to keep her in my prayers!!!!

Keep on
Chris

 

[lulu201]

Good Sunday morning, everyone! Soon I'll be leaving for church, but I wanted to stop in and post first.

Yesterday was a day, and with God's help today will be another! I have to remember what that feeling of "fit" is like and keep going until it's mine again!!

The plan:

1. Devotions
Daily Thoughts:
A Time to Think:
There is no greater invitation to love than loving first. -St. Augustine
To Act:
Use today, for it is a gift, to extend your love.
To Pray:
Lord, show me how to make every activity of every day a doorway into Your presence.
2. Vitamins--already to go
3. Water--I'll take my WW mug to church and drink water today instead of coffee.
4. Exercise--today is my rest day. I walked Mickey around the block; if it's nice I'll take him for a little stroll for fun.
5. Food--breakfast was raisin bran crunch (3), 1/2 cup of fruit (.5), 8 oz. of milk (2), and coffee. Lunch will be 6 points or less. Dinner is yet to be determined.
6. Scale--I got on today since it's the last day of July. . .182. I gained 2 pound this month. For an emotional eater, I guess it's not TERRIBLE considering music camps, the flood, two weekends away, and DMIL's heart surgery. Still, I've got to relearn my skills that help me to manage my eating while stressed.

One of the things I need to do (again) is be aware of my trigger foods. There are certain things I just can't have at home: pretzels, popcorn, chips. Controlled portions are one thing. . .open bags are another.

OK, I'm off and into the day. Moving onward, looking Upward--
Erin

Edit: A.M. snack was 4 pieces of s.f. biscotti (yum!) at 2 points. I got some cute little Thomas' whole mini-bagels at the store. . .think some red pepper/olive cream cheese on 'em sounds good for lunch. Add some cucumber spears and I'm in business! More later. . .

 

[DoeWDW]

You did a FANTASTIC job during July!!

August will have its own ups and downs, right? Start figuring out where they are on the calendar and planning how you'll handle them. Don't forget to include some jammie days, especially after any stressful events (or weeks at the beach ). Make appointments in that calendar to take time and nurture yourself. YOU are worth it!!

Love ya, WISH-sis!

 

[lulu201]

Ah, Doreen, you're too sweet for words. I had some rough waters in July --in more ways than one (I'm still having flood dreams!), but I feel like I'm on the right path again. I just lost my way for a week or so, but I'm back on the track, trying to learn from my mistakes.

The month in review:
I had 15 OP days for July and, as of weigh-in this morning, gained a total of 1 lb. when all was said and done. My habits in general--devotions, vitamin taking, drinking water, exercise, etc.--were solid, except for the week around TOM when we were traveling and I had some additional stress.

The month ahead:
So, the key here is to learn and to plan, like Doreen said. In looking ahead to August, my key #1 challenge of the month will be a week (at TOM, no less ) at the beach with my dear in-laws. Another challenge will be getting DD ready for her first day of 10th grade/high school (high school starts at 10th grade in our district). I think she'll be somewhat anxious and that in turn will make ME somewhat anxious unless I have some strategies to deal with it.
Those strategies will develop through the month, I'm sure, as I see how she's feeling about things.

My goal for the month is simple: stay OP. Day after day, stay OP. During vacation, on the weekends, TOM (!!!!!), whatever--stay OP. These past 7 days OP have calmed me a great deal. . .I feel less controlled by my food. I feel spiritually connected and trusting of God's hand on me. I'm relying on His strength to steady me and to take me day by day on this journey. I've been reminded--once again--that this is how I need to eat, for life. When I fall off plan, there's no need to beat myself up, but I need to re-evaluate what's going on in my life and responsibly re-create the conditions that favor healthy living. I need to ask why I'm "needing" food or why I can't find the energy for a short walk. Realistically, I know that I can't always be on top of things--other things will sometimes take priority over my walk, for example--but in the day to day, I need to care for me. And nothing, no carrot cake with cream cheese icing, no Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, no chicken wings with blue cheese dressing, tastes as good as it feels to slip into (not struggle, SLIP) those size 10 capris.

The ONLY way to achieve my desired weight and MAINTAIN it is by consciously committing to day-to-day OP behaviors. So, August, is my month to move forward--to goal, to maintenance, and BEYOND!

The plan for today:

1. Devotions
Daily Thoughts:
A Time to Think:
When we cling to pain we end up punishing ourselves. --L. Buscaglia
Boy, ain't it the truth!
To Act:
Never dwell on bitterness, anger and despair.
To Pray:
Lord, help me to find humor in all situations.
2. Vitamins--I think I have one more container ready and then I'll have to put them in the little boxes for the upcoming week.
3. Water--I'll drink my 64 oz.
4. Exercise--I'll walk 1.25. Yesterday I ended up taking a walk with DD, DH, and Dog for about 40 min.
5. Food--coffee with milk (1) so far today. I think breakfast will be yogurt with walnuts. A.M. snack will be 1/2 a grapefruit. Lunch will be tuna in a pita? I think dinner will be a Mcdonald's salad. . .I'm going to have to sit down and figure all these points out.
6. Scale--beginning weight for August is 181. I'm going to stay clear of the scale now until Friday. Being OP is what matters for me.

I thought I'd take the August challenge--that clippie is so cute--but I don't think I will. I'm just going to work to keep eating OP. Whatever I lose, I lose.

Well, I guess that's enough for this post, don't 'cha think? I've got to do some housecleaning and then get ready for work.

to all,
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Thanks for all the "thinking out loud" in your journal this morning. Your thoughts on the simplicity of staying OP daily were very inspiring. You can do it!

DH reminded me that we've got a commitment this Saturday but our Sunday is blissfully free! Would you like to get together? We can always drive over your way and meet at a restaurant for late lunch / early dinner if you'd rather not face the temptation of the KofP mall. I know you and I will be OP so whatever makes that easier for you is fine with me.

Have a beautiful day, dear WISH-sis!

and

 

[toystoryduo]

Erin,

You did a great job in July and I know you will do an awesome job in August! Go Erin! Go Erin! Go! Go! Go Erin! Go! Woohoo!

Your post from this morning was amazing! Your insight and thoughtfulness has helped me so much on my journey. Thanks for sharing, Erin!

Have a wonderful, blessed day Erin!

 

[septbride2002]

Can I just copy and paste your post into mine Ya know, with everything I've got going on I didn't even realize that it was the first of August and I need to think about my goals for the month. Yikes! I might have to put off doing that until tomorrow

You are doing so awesome! I know you will be putting on those size 10 capris in no time. Move them to the front of your closest so that you look at them in the morning.

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

. You know I love you guys. Thanks for stopping by yesterday.

Yesterday was my first OP day for August!

I had a moment of truth when I came home from work last night, though. DH had made homemade pizza and had saved two slices for my dinner (this was close to 9 p.m.). I stood out in the kitchen, looking at these two slices like they were the enemy or something, trying to decide what to do. . .I had points to use, but it hadn't been the plan. I ended up eating one (again, I had plenty of points to cover it), and foil-wrapped the other before it called out to me and "made" me eat it. Ah, sweet victory! It's the little battles that add up to success, right?

Today's plan:
1. Devotions
Daily Thoughts:
A Time to Think:
We tend to get what we expect. -Norman Vincent Peale
To Act:
Open your arms to beautiful
moments and they will come to you.
To Pray:
Dear Lord, give me the courage to always follow my heart.
2. Vitamins--will do
3. Water--64 oz. for sure
4. Exercise--Just 1.25 in the sunshine I think. . .it's warming up fast.
5. Food--Today I'm going to Saladworks with DD and know exactly what I want to have. To do that, I'll have to eat rather lightly during the day. I'm willing to sacrifice!
6. Scale--ooh, very tempted to get on it this morning, but I said I'd wait 'til Friday. . .

I've been reading "The THIN Commandments" and have gotten a lot of valuable insights in how to keep weight off; this book has a great chapter on maintenance. He (Stephen Gullo) stresses that the weight loss journey is in two steps: losing it and KEEPING IT OFF. How come I can only master half the task????

Ay, yay, yay--it's another day on the program wagon. Walk, housework, teaching, shopping--that's the day ahead.

One point, one day, one pound at a time; looking upward to the Light--
Erin

Edit: I've decided on a reward for staying on program until our vacation starts: Mother/Daughter manicure/pedicures at a day spa in OC. DD has said "no thanks" to the pedicure, but I'm going to be wild and daring and go for my first one. Heck, if I can handle Vicky's, I can handle a pedicure, right?

Didn't get my exercise in, but did manage to drink 32 oz. of water and take my vitamins. I'll have to walk tonight when it cools down a bit. Mickey'll be glad about that!

 

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Erin!

Congratulations to a great start for the month! It is nice to start off on the right foot! Enjoy your Saladworks!

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Yesterday was an OP day! And now I'm looking forward to today!

The plan:

1. Devotions
Daily Thoughts:
A Time to Think:
Where there is great love there are always miracles. - Willa Cather
I LOVE this quote. I've been trying to develop an attitude of "extravagent love" and this quote helps me in believing it's the right thing to strive for!
To Act:
Open your heart and eyes to see that opportunities to help and serve are everywhere.
To Pray:
Dear Lord, help me to remember that the brightness of Your loving presence is always with me.
Even when things appear dark, God's Light is out there for us to move toward.
2. Vitamins--out on the counter
3. Water--can't be without it!
4. Exercise--last night I ended up doing my walking in the mall with DD (at least it was cool! ). Today I'm going to make it out there early enough to walk in the .
5. Food--I'm keeping a written food diary, so I won't repeat my plan here unless I start having problems.
6. Scale--I wanted to get on it today, but I remembered: not 'til Friday!

Last night after Saladworks and the mall I felt a pull toward a "graze." How easy it would be to slip into the old habit! I'm going to work hard to keep my focus on OP days. Phil. 4:13, right? Right!

When I look at the day, I don't see any special food challenges. I'll be planning out my menu, packing my lunch/dinner, and taking all my food to work with me. I think I'll leave points for a dessert at home--1% milk and my fat-free chocolate chocolate chip biscotti, probably.

We're at Chapter 21 or 22 of HP and the Half-Blood Prince. Ooh, it's exciting!
Can't wait to get another chapter or more in today.

Last night I dreamed I was supposed to be walking in a half marathon and I hadn't trained at all, only the usual 1.25 miles I've been walking lately. It was very similar in feel to the dreams where I'm in college and I remember I've forgotten to go to math class all semester and I have to go take the final! Weird. Funny, but weird.

OK, I've gotta get down to business here.

I'm moving forward, looking Upward, and hoping that scale's going downward!
to all,
Erin

Edit: It's 6 p.m. and I'm waiting for a student. I've finished lunch, but haven't had any cheese stick or apple yet. Maybe I won't have them today?
I walked 2.3 this morning. . .it was such a beautiful summer morning. Now it's incredibly hot, so I'm glad I got it in early.

I have to make a note here--and I've observed this so many times before--that with the structure of the ole meal plan/diet comes a certain peace. So much less struggle with food, so much less guilt and disappointment in myself. When my hormones threaten to destroy my OP behavior, will one of you please shake up and bring me back to my senses? Will someone please remind me around August 19th that my TOM struggles can't be EATEN away?

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Erin!

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! This weight loss journey has had some bumps in the road, but if we stay focused on
Phil 4:13, through God's strength, we CAN do it, Erin!

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

 

[DoeWDW]

HP & HBP is getting exciting!! I've just finished chapter 28 - boy, you're in for some interesting reading! I'm hoping to read more during lunch hour - I don't want to put it down!

Your OP days are inspiring, WISH sis!! You're just "easin' on down the road" of healthy living! Hmmm, I think that was a song from The Wiz, right? "Don't you carry nothin' that might be a load, you've got to ease on down, ease on down the road". Dance your way through another OP day!

I'll be sending a PM later about the weekend plans.

Make it a bright and beautiful day!

 

[septbride2002]

I can't remember what chapter I'm on! I'm re-reading the book now a bit slower.

Great job on yesterday and avoiding the graze. You are doing so awesome!

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

"Ease on down, ease on down the ro-oad. C'mon and ease on down, ease on down the ro-oad. . ." Can you hear me singing, Doreen?

I'm celebrating today! Three OP days for August! I've been OP since July 25th! That's 10 days in a row! I know I have a long way to go yet, but hey, ya gotta see the joy in the day, right?

The plan:
1. Devotions
A Time to Think:
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. --Victor Borge
To Act:
Maintain a spirit of cooperation, harmony and allegiance.
To Pray:
Lord, thank You for the wise words of others that help me be a better person.
2. Vitamins--they're waiting for me
3. Water--can't miss it! Actually I should have extra today. I had a diet coke yesterday afternoon. . .afternoon caffeine is something I haven't been doing too much of. . .and WW says you should add more water for everything caffeinated you drink.
4. Exercise--hmm, just my 1.25 today. I need to get Mickey out there with me.
5. Food--the menu is planned for today. Will stop by the produce place and pick up some more strawberries.
6. Scale-- Tomorrow's the day.

From "The Thin Commandments": ". . .winners enjoy the pleasure of fine food. Many of them dine regularly at fine restaurants. However, they've evolved beyond the childhood programming that views food as a reward or a treat. They understand that no matter how beautiful a food looks or how enticing its aroma, if it's a food they have a history of abusing, it's no reward at all. Some of my clients reward themselves with new clothes. Others enjoy a trip to a spa, a new necklace, or a weekend getaway with friends. These are material rewards. A far more meaningful reward occurs each morning when they look in the mirror and see a trim body. There's no better reward you can give yourself than to live the vision you have for your own life.

The good dr. also says: the process is the goal. You can tell I'm getting a lot out of this book.

I've got to go walk, then I'll pick up DD at the friend's house she was at last night. I've got to throw in a load of laundry, too. I'll head to work at noon and will be home around 8:30. Hopefully I'll get some practice time in there.

It's a new day and I'm trusting God to lead me where I need to go. Onward, Upward, downward!

Erin

Edit: I have a new clippie in my siggie. I'm going to try the 100 Day Cheat-Free Challenge. Can you believe it? I'm just going to take it one day at a time; I'm feeling like this is the direction in which I'm supposed to go.
I had a honey-bran muffin for breakfast and a cinnamon hazelnut latte (my own creation). Total points:12. I had a nice walk with Mickey. Never picked up the strawberries, but that's OK. . .plenty of other healthy things to eat.
Off to work; I'll be back tomorrow. ~E.